Pontoon boat having improved buoyancy

ABSTRACT

A pontoon boat is shown which includes a frame, and a plurality of pontoons attached to the frame. The plurality of pontoons comprises two outer pontoons of substantially cylindrical configuration and a center pontoon comprising a substantially curvilinear configuration, wherein a height of the center pontoon is substantially equal to the diameter of the outer pontoons. One embodiment of the pontoon is elliptical in cross section.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application relates to watercraft, and in particular to watercraft having pontoons for flotation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is common in the watercraft industry to provide a plurality of pontoons on watercraft for flotation. This type of watercraft is typically referred to as a pontoon boat and the pontoons are generally comprised of longitudinal tubular members having a closed cylindrical cross-section. A frame is constructed above the pontoons and the pontoons may have brackets which connect the pontoons to the frame. Above the frame is a deck to which furniture and seating is arranged for the pontoon boat passengers. These types of pontoons may include outboard engines, as depicted in our U.S. Pat. No. 6,939,184, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference; or may have an inboard engine as depicted in our U.S. Pat. No. 6,681,713.

It may also be desirable to have a third pontoon, which is typically centrally mounted in a longitudinal manner, and in a parallel relation to the outer pontoons. A center pontoon is added for increased buoyancy and flotation, or for improved performance. Recently, the increased weight placed on the deck of the pontoons, either through increased weight of the pontoon furniture, or the engine size, has also increased the need for the buoyancy of the pontoons. While the diameter of the pontoons could be increased, this would also increase the overall height of the pontoon boat which would change the shipping characteristics, as well as raise the center of gravity, further reducing stability.

These and other objects are met with the described embodiments.

SUMMARY

One of the embodiments shown include a pontoon boat, comprising a frame; a plurality of pontoons attached to the frame; and wherein at least one of the pontoons is elliptical in cross-section.

The plurality of pontoons may be two pontoons, and both of the pontoons may be elliptical in cross-section. The plurality of pontoons may be three pontoons, and one of the pontoons is elliptical in cross-section. The plurality of pontoons may comprise two outer substantially cylindrical pontoons, and a center elliptical pontoon. The minor axis of the center elliptical pontoon is substantially equal to the diameter of the two outer pontoons. The diameter of the two outer pontoons and the minor axis of the center elliptical pontoon is about 25″. The major axis of the center elliptical pontoon is about 32″.

Another embodiment of pontoon boat, comprises a frame; and a plurality of pontoons attached to the frame, the plurality comprising two outer pontoons of substantial cylindrical configuration and a center pontoon comprising a substantially closed tube of curvilinear configuration.

The center pontoon may be elliptical in cross-section. The minor axis of the center elliptical pontoon may be substantially equal to the diameter of the two outer pontoons. The diameter of the two outer pontoons and the minor axis of the center elliptical pontoon is about 25″. The major axis of the center elliptical pontoon is about 32″. The pontoon boat may further comprise a deck mounted on the top side of the frame, the deck and the center pontoon having an opening therethrough profiled as a storage area.

Another embodiment of pontoon boat, comprises a pontoon boat, comprising a frame; a plurality of pontoons attached to the frame, comprising two outer pontoons of substantially cylindrical configuration and a center pontoon comprising a substantially curvilinear configuration, wherein a height of the center pontoon is substantially equal to the diameter of the outer pontoons.

The center pontoon is comprised of a substantially closed tube along at least a portion of a length. The pontoon boat may further comprise a deck mounted on the top side of the frame, the deck and the center pontoon having an opening therethrough profiled as a storage area.

The center pontoon may be elliptical in cross-section. The minor axis of the center elliptical pontoon is substantially equal to the diameter of the two outer pontoons. The diameter of the two outer pontoons and the minor axis of the center elliptical pontoon is about 25″. The major axis of the center elliptical pontoon is about 32″.

The above mentioned and other features of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a pontoon boat;

FIG. 2 is an rear underside perspective of the pontoon boat of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an end plan view of the pontoon boat of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an end plan view of a second embodiment of a pontoon boat; and

FIGS. 5-7 show alternate configurations of pontoon cross-sections for use with the pontoon boat of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With respect to FIGS. 1-3, a first embodiment of pontoon boat will be described. Pontoon boat 2 is generally defined by a frame 4 having a plurality of pontoons 6 attached to an underside thereof, and having a deck 8 attached to the opposite side thereof. Railing 10 surrounds the deck portion and encloses an interior area 12 which includes furniture 14 and the captain's area 16, including a seat and console. It should be understood that the pontoon boat could also include other amenities such as a changing room, for example as shown in our U.S. Pat. No. 6,681,713; or could include a bimini top as shown in our U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,820,569, or 7,107,926; all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

With respect now to FIG. 3, the pontoon assembly 6 is comprised of two outer pontoons 20 and an inner pontoon 22. The outer pontoons 20 are substantially cylindrical in cross section and are attached to frame 4 by way of brackets at 24. Center pontoon 22 is a substantially closed volume of curvilinear configuration and in this embodiment is shown as elliptical in cross-section. As shown, elliptical pontoon 22 has a major axis “A” and a minor axis “A′”. Also as shown, the diameter “D” of the cylindrical pontoons 20 is equal to the minor axis A′ of the center elliptical pontoon 22. In the embodiment shown, the minor axis A′ and the diameter D are equal to about 25 inches, whereas the major axis A is equal to about 32 inches.

Advantageously, the larger volume of the elliptical pontoon 22 provides more displacement of water and thus more buoyancy for the pontoon boat. This displacement has been increased without increasing the height of the overall pontoon. In other words, due to the fact that the pontoon minor axis A′ is equal to the diameter D of the outer pontoons 20, the pontoon boat sits flat, whether on the assembly floor, whether on a shipping platform, or and when in storage. Furthermore, the elliptical pontoon 22 adds no further shipping height to the pontoon boat, which solves logistical issues for trucking the pontoons. The flatness of the elliptical tube 22 also provides more stability to the flotation of the pontoon boat. Furthermore, because the elliptical pontoon 22 is substantially closed, conventional bracketing 26 may be used to interconnect pontoon 22 with framing 4, without having to reinforce the pontoon or its connection to the framing. As also shown in FIG. 3, pontoons 20 could include fins 28 which assist in turning the pontoon boat. The lower profile of the elliptical design provides the vessel with less weight sensitivity over a larger diameter round tube. Finally, the slightly flatter running surface provides more lift when underway than a comparably sized round tube.

With respect again to FIG. 1, the deck 8 of the pontoon boat could include an opening 30 therethrough and receive a storage unit similar to that disclosed in our pending application Ser. No. 11/474,786 filed Jun. 26, 2006, the entirety of which is disclosed herein. A storage unit could be provided beneath the opening 30 and could be partly positioned within a cutout inside of the center pontoon. This opening 30 could be placed anywhere along the longitudinal length of the pontoon and could be used for storage of gear, or could be used, for example, as a fuel tank.

With respect now to FIG. 4, a second embodiment of pontoon boat is shown at 32 having framing 34 and a deck 38. Rather than three pontoons, two outer pontoons 40 could be provided attached to the framing 34 by way of brackets 46, where both pontoons are elliptical in cross-section. Each of the outer pontoons 40 is of elliptical configuration where its minor axis and major axis could be of any dimension. Elliptical pontoons 40 could also include fins 48 to also assist in turning of the pontoon boat.

With reference now to FIG. 5-7, alternate cross sections of pontoons are depicted which could also be used with the present disclosure. FIG. 5 shows an oblong or obround configuration 50 have straight sections 52 and arcuate sections 54, having radii 56. FIG. 6 shows an oval shape 60 having multiple radii, such as 62 and 64. Finally, tube 70 could include a flat or low profile triangular portion 72 connected by arcuate sections 74 having radii 76. These and other curvilinear configurations are contemplated and are within the scope of the present disclosure.

While this invention has been described as having an exemplary design, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains. 

1. A pontoon boat, comprising: a frame; a plurality of pontoons attached to the frame; and wherein at least one of said pontoons is substantially elliptical in cross-section.
 2. The pontoon boat of claim 1, wherein the plurality of pontoons is two pontoons, and both of said pontoons are elliptical in cross-section.
 3. The pontoon boat of claim 1, wherein the plurality of pontoons is three pontoons, and one of said pontoons is elliptical in cross-section.
 4. The pontoon boat of claim 3, wherein the plurality of pontoons comprises two outer substantially cylindrical pontoons, and a center elliptical pontoon.
 5. The pontoon boat of claim 4, wherein the minor axis of the center elliptical pontoon is substantially equal to the diameter of the two outer pontoons.
 6. The pontoon boat of claim 5, wherein the diameter of the two outer pontoons and the minor axis of the center elliptical pontoon is about 25″.
 7. The pontoon boat of claim 6, wherein the major axis of the center elliptical pontoon is about 32″.
 8. A pontoon boat, comprising: a frame; a plurality of pontoons attached to the frame, the plurality comprising two outer pontoons of substantial cylindrical configuration and a center pontoon comprising a substantially closed tube of curvilinear configuration.
 9. The pontoon boat of claim 8, wherein said center pontoon is elliptical in cross-section.
 10. The pontoon boat of claim 9, wherein the minor axis of the center elliptical pontoon is substantially equal to the diameter of the two outer pontoons.
 11. The pontoon boat of claim 10, wherein the diameter of the two outer pontoons and the minor axis of the center elliptical pontoon is about 25″.
 12. The pontoon boat of claim 11, wherein the major axis of the center elliptical pontoon is about 32″.
 13. The pontoon boat of claim 8, further comprising a deck mounted on the top side of said frame, said deck and said center pontoon having an opening therethrough profiled as a storage area.
 14. A pontoon boat, comprising: a frame; a plurality of pontoons attached to the frame, comprising two outer pontoons of substantially cylindrical configuration and a center pontoon comprising a substantially curvilinear configuration, wherein a height of said center pontoon is substantially equal to the diameter of said outer pontoons.
 15. The pontoon boat of claim 14, wherein the center pontoon is comprised of a substantially closed tube along at least a portion of a length.
 16. The pontoon boat of claim 15, further comprising a deck mounted on the top side of said frame, said deck and said center pontoon having an opening therethrough profiled as a storage area.
 17. The pontoon boat of claim 14, wherein said center pontoon is elliptical in cross-section.
 18. The pontoon boat of claim 17, wherein the minor axis of the center elliptical pontoon is substantially equal to the diameter of the two outer pontoons.
 19. The pontoon boat of claim 18, wherein the diameter of the two outer pontoons and the minor axis of the center elliptical pontoon is about 25″.
 20. The pontoon boat of claim 18, wherein the major axis of the center elliptical pontoon is about 32″. 